Theo Walcott is said to be in a state of shock
after being informed of his omission from England's World Cup
squad.
Walcott was by far the most surprising exclusion from Fabio
Capello's 23-man party, who fly out to South Africa on Wednesday
evening, and the man himself seems to have been one of the most
shocked.
The Arsenal winger was reportedly on the golf course when
Capello called to tell him the bad news, and The Daily Express
reports that he was so surprised, he initially thought the call was
a hoax.
Most morning papers agree that Capello had doubts about
Walcott's place after subdued performances in training, but was
given chances to impress in both warm-up games against Mexico and
Japan.
The former seems to have played a crucial role in Capello's
decision, with the Italian reportedly annoyed that Walcott didn't
follow his instructions at Wembley.
The Guardian reports that 'frustration has been welling within
the management set-up at a perceived lack of discipline on the
pitch in recent England games, with Walcott singled out for
particular criticism in Capello's post-match analysis of the Mexico
game last week.
'The player, it is understood, had strayed too often from a
position on the by-line, veering from the Italian's instructions,
with his delivery erratic from the wing.'
Other papers claim that Walcott was given a dressing down in
front of the rest of the squad for his perceived indiscipline
against Mexico. Despite this, he was given another chance, which he
failed to take.
Publically at least, Walcott reacted with great dignity.
In a statement released as the squad was officially announced,
Walcott said: "I am very disappointed not to be included in the
squad going out to South Africa, but completely respect Mr
Capello's decision.
"I would like to wish the team the best of luck and hope they
have a really successful tournament."
